[Gemini4321]

I email Mini as my car is just over a year old and I have only done just under 8,000 miles and I have read loads of posts on here about this. Phoned Mini and they said the norm that it cant be done until 1,000 miles of the indicator.
This is the response from Mini Warrenty :

Dear Mrs S *******

I write further to your email sent to MINI Customer Information on March 13,
2006. In which you request further clarification on the service intervals
for your MINI.

Please accept my sincere apologies for the delay in this response, I have
been investigating the information you provided in your attachment.

As I am sure your are aware, all our models are fitted with the MINI
Maintenance System (Service countdown indicator) which takes into account
the vehicle's operating conditions rather than the more conventional system
when maintenance is required at a fixed mileage or timeframe. MINI believe
this maintenance system is designed to uphold the vehicle's road safety and
operating reliability, whist saving you as much money as possible.

The first service on your MINI will be an oil service and depending on how
the vehicle is driven can vary anywhere between 8,000 and 12,000+ miles.
Your dealership will be able to complete this service on your vehicle under
your TLC package when your Maintenance System advises that this service is
due. For added flexibility you can claim your service under your TLC package
up to a 1,000 miles either side of the recommended mileage on your
indicator.

For example - If your current mileage is 8,000 and your countdown indicator
advises that the oil service is required in 4,500 miles then you will be
able to have this service completed free of charge under your TLC package
when the vehicle reaches 11,500 or if you go over the mileage then up to
13,500.

The only exception to the above, applies when a vehicle reaches two years of
age but has completed such low mileage that the service indicator is still
showing an oil service is not needed. In this case only we recommend that
the oil service is completed every two years, as the engine oil ages
regardless of the mileage and load imposed on it.

For example - When your MINI turns 2yrs old - if you have not yet needed an
oil service based on the countdown indicator, then MINI will honour the oil
service and brake fluid vouchers in your booklet. If the same applies when
the vehicle turns 4yrs old, MINI will honour the 1st Inspection Service.

I can confirm that the attachment sent with your email (MINI Warranty SI MO1
02 03) is an American released bulletin which relates only to MINI's
exported to that market and is not relevant to the UK.

I hope this information is of assistance, if you have any further queries
please do not hesitate in contacting me on the number below.

Kind regards


Joanne Walsh
Warranty Services Co-ordinator

BMW Group
Financial Services

Tel: 0870 5050 196
Fax: 0870 5050 207
Email: Warranty@minifin.co.uk

[SteveM3]

That's a really useful reply. Earlier they were saying when you reached 2 years and
hadn't had the service it was an oil change only and at your cost. This didn't make
sense as in theory a few months later you would need the service and the oil would
be replaced again. I don't think this makes any difference for the brake fluid as it was
always a time based counter i.e. the service indicator showed the days to the next
brake fluid change. I have no idea how Mini justify saying the TLC is 5 years free
servicing when the first brake fluid change is after 2 years (covered) and the second
is after 4 years (not covered). In fact I think I'll drop them a line and ask for the
justification.